On Friday, 8 April, a 34-year-old suspect was arrested for impersonating a police officer at the Jeppes Reef border gate near Tonga, Mpumalanga, according to the provincial police commissioner’s office.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala of the South African Police Service (SAPS) said officers received a tip about a suspicious suspect who was dressed in parts of the SAPS uniform at the Jeppes Reef border gate.
“Further allegations indicated that the man was robbing people thereby demanding some items from his victims at the border, whilst pretending to be a police Sergeant,” said Mohlala.
Nosingiphile Siyalu Mancoba was eventually cornered and arrested on March 5 after the incidents were reported to the police.
During the arrest, Mancoba was discovered wearing the SAPS uniform, which consisted of a woman’s shirt and a man’s trousers without a belt. He also wore a cap and brown shoes and had the rank of a Sergeant.
“Through the investigation, it was discovered that during the period he was hired by the member, he allegedly stole her police uniform (shirts).
Mancoba was charged with impersonating a police officer and theft. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 12th, when he will file a formal bail application.
Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela, the Mpumalanga commissioner, warned suspects that stealing police items would not be tolerated.
“Given the recent incidents whereby members of the police were targeted by criminals for their tools of trade, this has made us to be more vigilant. We will deal strongly with those who take us for granted and we will never back down nor allow the situation to continue unabated,” said Manamela.
